On the afternoon of March 19, 2024, at the Government Headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Comrade Khamphao Ernthavanh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Vietnam, on the occasion of her assuming duties in Vietnam.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated Comrade Khamphao Ernthavanh on his appointment as the Lao Ambassador to Vietnam and congratulated Laos on its recent achievements in economic and social development.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that Vietnam and Laos share a special relationship, a precious and invaluable asset that every citizen of both countries is responsible for preserving, constantly nurturing, and developing. The Party, State, and People of Vietnam always attach great importance and give the highest priority to consolidating and strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, continuing to support Laos to the best of its ability in the spirit of respecting Laos' independence and sovereignty.

Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh expressed his honor to assume the role of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Vietnam. The Ambassador thanked the Party, State, and People of Vietnam for always "standing shoulder to shoulder" and wholeheartedly supporting the Party, State, and People of Laos throughout the struggle for national independence and the defense and construction of the country today.

Acknowledging the Ambassador's commitment to making every effort to promote the development of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, ensuring it continues to flourish and endure, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the need for both sides to effectively implement high-level agreements and bilateral cooperation mechanisms. This is especially true regarding the results of the recent meeting between the two Parties and the 46th session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of enhancing high-level exchanges and interactions at all levels, promoting activities that foster cultural exchange and communication among the people of both nations, particularly the younger generations, about the unique and invaluable Vietnam-Laos relationship.

The Prime Minister expressed a desire for the functional agencies of the two countries to enhance their collaboration and determination to resolve existing challenges to elevate economic, trade, and investment cooperation to a level that matches the trusted and close political relations between the two nations. Emphasis should be placed on accelerating strategic cooperation projects, infrastructure connectivity projects in transportation and energy, human resource development cooperation, increasing bilateral trade volume, and investment activities. The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to create favorable conditions for businesses from both countries to increase mutual investments, strengthen cooperation between localities, especially those bordering each other, proactively coordinate, share information, and support each other at international and regional forums.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that the Government of Vietnam will continue to support Laos in successfully assuming the role of ASEAN Chair in 2024 and Chair of AIPA 45, as both countries strive to maintain ASEAN's unity and centrality, bolster community building, and effectively address common challenges.

On the occasion of Laos' 2024 traditional New Year, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh extended New Year greetings to the Ambassador and, through the Ambassador, conveyed his regards and congratulations to General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and other senior Lao leaders.